Our nutritional needs are easily influenced. Yet, we often forget just how easy it is for our body to fall into a deficiency in certain essential nutrients. Once you’ve fallen into a deficit, it can be challenging to regain the lost ground.
In the wake of the pandemic, it was found that many people were taking supplements to boost their immune systems and fix their nutritional deficiencies. But what factors affect your body’s nutritional needs? That’s what we need to ask and answer, and that’s what we’re going to do right now.
Gut Health
When our digestive system isn’t working properly, we’re not processing and absorbing nutrients as we’re supposed to. IBS, a common gut health issue facing millions, is aided by supplement consumption. Prebiotics is another great choice as they promote the growth of probiotic bacteria and provide food to nourish. Finally, fiber. It’s shockingly common how many of our diets don’t contain enough fiber, and that’s something supplements and more vegetables can solve.
Dietary Needs
Some foods we avoid are due to allergies, religious or ethical reasons, or just general intolerance. When we restrict our diets, we risk missing out on important nutrients. This is common in vegan diets. The most prominent are B12 and iron. These are vital to us as they help with energy. If you’re someone who finds themselves tired all the time or is engaging in a vegan diet, ensure you’re nutritional needs are being met. If they’re not, adjust your diet to accommodate those needs.
Location
When we say everything can affect your body’s nutrient intake and retention, we mean it. For example, suppose you’re living in the northern hemisphere in continents like North America, Europe, Canada, and parts of Asia. In that case, you’ll likely have some form of Vitamin D deficiency. In some countries, health agencies even recommend upping Vitamin D levels during the cold seasons with supplements.
Stage Of Life
The stage of your life doesn’t just refer to age. It also means pivotal life events like being pregnant, for example. When you’re pregnant, women are advised to partake in folic acid supplements to avoid neural tube defects.
Menopause leads to a decline in estrogen levels in women. Estrogen is what keeps the bones protected, and growing older, you should want healthy bones. This would require you to get calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin K supplements.
As we do get older, we need to acknowledge that a decline in nutrients is not all that surprising. Less appetite means less food, therefore, fewer nutrients. You’ll have to consult a doctor about what deficiencies you’ve got to address the issues head-on.
Medications
Medications might not sound like they can affect nutritional needs, but they do because they often amp up the need. Common nutritional needs like zinc, magnesium, B12, vitamin E, etc., are lacking in our nutritional intake because the medications we need, either momentarily or indefinitely, require more of these pivotal vitamins.
Fitness
When we work out, we sweat, and in doing so, we deplete certain nutrients. For example, electrolytes. These are essential to the body as they maintain fluid balance. Electrolytes come in many forms, such as chloride, sodium, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Some of these are easy fixes, like adding a bit more salt to our meals and gaining electrolytes through the things we eat and drink. However, be careful not to overindulge. These need to be nutrients we gain in moderation.
Conclusion
At Fusion Fitness, we take all aspects of your health seriously. We’re not just talking about hopping on a treadmill or lifting weights; we’re talking about nutrition. You don’t just need a gym; you need a personal trainer. You want to enjoy personal training and the nutrition planning they can help you achieve.
By getting to know you, your diet, and your fitness levels, your personal trainer can tailor a nutrition plan to help you achieve greatness. But, of course, taking fitness classes and strength training is just a small part of what it means to truly go to the gym. Are you ready for this next step in your fitness journey?
